The Japan Patent Office (JPO) desires to create a system by which the financial burden to small and medium-sized Japanese corporations or businesses (SMEs) which is associated with filing international patent applications-may be reduced. Currently, the JPO is examining how to pay for approximately half the fees associated with filing an application overseas for companies or businesses which qualify for such assistance. If it appears likely that foreign IP rights would be granted and the Japanese SME can demonstrate a concrete plan by which the IP right would be used to expand their business, a filing subsidy may be applied for.
As this system develops further, we will provide a more thorough analysis of the details.